News Release

Friday, February 17, 2012

Man Shoots Three and Takes His Own Life Another Person also Found Dead in House NR12086cj

Los Angeles: On Thursday, February 16, 2012, around 12:45 p.m., three shooting victims were transported to a local hospital and two people were pronounced dead in a residence that was set fire in the 500 block of North Harvard Avenue.

The detective’s preliminary investigation revealed four people were inside the residence when the suspect entered and began shooting. One male and two females were shot by the suspect. The suspect then shot himself. During the incident, the house caught on fire and was engulfed in flames. Later, the suspect was found dead in a nearby room. The fourth person who was in the apartment was also found dead in the house. Due to the condition of the body, cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic in his 50s who lived nearby and had a former relationship with one of the female victims. The suspect's name will not be released until his identification is confirmed and next of kin are notified. The motive for this shooting appears to be domestic related, and the investigation is ongoing.

This case is being investigated by West Bureau Homicide Detectives. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact West Bureau Homicide Detectives Jeff Sanderfur or Claudia Castruita at 213-382-9470. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.